Coldwater DDA approves two temporary public-art leases including 11½-foot giraffe

The City of Coldwater Downtown Development Authority voted April 22 to approve two temporary public-art license agreements for installations in the downtown district.

The board approved a one-year lease for a 7-foot dandelion sculpture by Gregory Summers to be sited outside the HLB building under license agreement 826-11, with an annual lease fee presented as $1,500. The DDA also approved a one-year lease for an 11.5-foot giraffe sculpture (approximately 200 pounds) to be located between benches across from Tibbets under license agreement 826-12, with a one-year lease fee presented as $3,000.

“It's going to make for a great next year of public art in Downtown Coldwater,” a committee member said during the design discussion as the board reviewed scale, placement and logistics. Staff explained the giraffe’s placement was adjusted to avoid repeated moves during downtown events, and board members discussed installation logistics and plaque design.

Kiwanis agreed this week to sponsor an additional placement, allowing the DDA to add a third sculpture (a large caterpillar intended for children) later this season, staff said. Installation is targeted for this summer, with staff aiming to have pieces in place before the DDA’s June Art After Hours event if agreements and logistics are completed.

The motions to approve the two license agreements passed by voice vote.

The DDA’s design committee and staff will finalize and execute the license agreements and follow up on logistics such as pad placement, plaques and maintenance responsibilities before installations proceed.